13
Oct

Embellished Hooded Towel Tutorial

I know it's a tad bit early to be talking about Christmas, but I just can't help thinking about it.  Since I have committed myself to handmade gifts this year, I need to do some serious planning in order to get all my gift giving accomplished.  So I thought you also might enjoy me sharing some holiday gift giving ideas a little earlier than normal.......perhaps you are going handmade as well! The following tutorial was not entirely my own idea.  I had posed a question over on "The Cottage Mama" facebook fan page in regards to the projects everyone was working on … continue reading

11
Oct

The Strawberry Patch Barn Sale

As you know from my previous post, my family and I hit the road and headed down to Tennessee for my very first show.  I was invited to Lafayette, TN to be part of The Strawberry Patch Barn Sale that is owned and coordinated by Christy Donoho.I am going to warn you right now, this is probably going to be my most picture heavy post to date.  But I was just so inspired by everything going on in this small town, that I had to document everything!Thursday evening was the preview night for the sale.  There was a $10 admission charge (which was donated to a local … continue reading

11
Oct

The Cottage Mama Giveaway on A Little Etsy Love

I just wanted to let you all know that I am being featured over on A Little Etsy Love and giving away a $25.00 gift certificate to my etsy shop, The Cottage Mama.  I don't do a ton of giveaways, so if you are interested, feel free to head over and enter to win!Click here to enter the giveaway! Here is an example of a few of the items currently listed in the shop for sale:Fall Knot Dress - Size 3t, Ready To ShipWhimsical Peasant Dress - Size 6, Ready To ShipMod Jumper, Size 3t, Ready To ShipA-Line Swing Dress, Size 12m, Ready To ShipSweet Fall Party Dress, Size 4t, … continue reading

10
Oct

Fall Issue Delish Magazine – I’m a Contributor!

About 6-months or so ago I was asked to contribute a sewing/craft tutorial for a new online magazine publication called Delish Magazine.  I had checked out their very first issue and I was instantly in love.  I loved the premise behind the magazine - "Live like you mean it".  And on top of this being a fabulous online women's magazine, it is totally free to the reader!Our fall issue just launched and I really hope you will take the time to visit this wonderful magazine and check out my sewing tutorial.  There is everything from fashion, living, cooking, health, … continue reading

6
Oct

One Year Already and Fabric Giveaway

 image sourceTime definitely flies when you're having fun!  It's hard to believe that today is my 1-year blog-a-versary (is that a word?.....probably not).  1-year ago today I started this blog with much encouragement from my friends and here I am a year later having met so many wonderful and talented people and feeling like I am truly part of a community.It's amazing to me how this blog has evolved over the last year.  Click here to read my very first post EVER! What have I learned from blogging over the last year?Blogging is truly a communityThere are so many … continue reading

5
Oct

My First Show

So this Thursday I will be traveling from Chicago down to Tennessee (outside of Nashville) to the Strawberry Patch Barn Sale.  This will be my very first show......ever!  I opened The Cottage Mama this past March and, up until now, have done primarily online and word-of-mouth business.  I'm really hoping to take my business to the next level over the next year and I think doing more public shows will really make it happen. I have been working around the clock to build up my in-stock inventory (which has been quite difficult in addition to being a mommy, wife … continue reading

4
Oct

Fairy Princess Tutu Tutorial

I don't know about you, but I like to take gift giving as an opportunity to try something new when it comes to sewing and crafting.Yesterday we attended our friends, Patrick and Anita's daughter Ella's 2nd birthday party. I had never made a tutu before, but I figured what little girl doesn't love a tutu?  My 2.5 year old daughter loves dress-up right now so I imagine Ella will start to get into that as well.This tutu would be perfect as a fairy princess costume for Halloween - make your tutu, embellish a leotard, give your little one a wand and she's ready for … continue reading

30
Sep

Baby Boys and Robots

Is it just me or does it seem like there are a ton of babies being born during this time of year?  It seems like all our friends have been having babies left and right......as a matter a fact our good friends Patrick and Anita just had a new baby today.......baby Lucy!As I've mentioned before, I've been busy getting my inventory ready for a show next week, but I have managed to find some time to whip up a few baby gifts here and there (and I have a couple more to do this weekend).  My friend Shannon just had her second baby boy so I thought I'd make her a little … continue reading

29
Sep

New Sponsor and Giveaway – Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary

I'm so excited to announce the newest sponsor of The Cottage Home - Elizabeth Victoria Fine Stationary.  Elizabeth Victoria is giving away a gift certificate to their shop to one lucky The Cottage Home blog reader.Want a chance to win?Click here to read more about our great new sponsor and enter to win this wonderful giveaway. … continue reading

27
Sep

Embroidered Reusable Snack Bag Tutorial

I have been wanting to make some reusable snack bags for my girls for about six months now.  Today I finally took the initiative and got some made (it's about time, right?).  I made these today partly out of necessity (we are out of plastic sandwich bags) and partly because we are taking a road trip down to Tennessee next week for me to do a show for "The Cottage Mama" and I just thought they would be great for the car ride. There are about a gazillion tutorials on the internet for these reusable bags (there are some really great ideas out there).  But as it is … continue reading